At a Glance

Share with your grandchild the magic of Paris and the history of the Allied invasion of Normandy on a voyage of interactive discovery and learning along the Seine. Provide your young learner with a perspective on World War II and the events of the invasion of Normandy through hands-on experiences and special field trips. In charming ports of call along the river, explore medieval history, modern life and Impressionist art.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Extensive walking on cobblestone and paved streets, some unpaved terrain. Walking and standing in museums; some stairs without railings.

Best of all, you'll ...

Join experts who introduce you and your grandchild to the City of Light on fascinating discoveries of the world-famous landmarks in the historic heart of Paris.

Learn with your grandchild about the Allied invasion of Normandy.

Explore Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy’s famous island monastery and site of a succession of monastic establishments for the last 13 centuries.

General Notes

The program is for grandchildren ages 9-14. Ship varies by date.

Suggested Reading List

View 22 books

Omaha Beach: D-Day, June 6, 1944

by Joseph Balkoski

In this unforgettable narrative of D-Day, Joseph Balkoski describes the minute-by-minute combat as it unfolded on Omaha Beach, allowing soldiers to speak for themselves as they recall their attempts to maneuver bombers through heavy cloud cover, the claustrophobic terror aboard transports, and the relentless fire that greeted them on the beach

A Moveable Feast

by Ernest Hemingway

A treasure for anyone interested in Parisian cafe society and its luminaries circa 1925. Hemingway includes sharp portraits of Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ford Maddox Ford and others who idled on their way to greatness.

The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris

by John Baxter

Australian critic and writer Baxter draws on his second career as a literary tour guide in his adopted city for this witty memoir, laced with terrific tales.

My Life in France

by Julia Child

The touching and famous story of Julia Child in France, where she learned to cook and fell in love with French cuisine, all in her own words.

F is for France: A Curious Cabinet of French Wonders

by Piu Eatwell

An alphabetized catalogue of quirky French culture and history tidbits.

The Little Prince

by Antoine de Saint Exupery

Antoine de Saint-Exupery's modern fable, enshrined in the hearts of many. First published in 1943, it tells of a naïve extraterrestrial who wanders from planet to planet, learning wisdom as he goes.

1066, The Year of the Conquest

by David Howarth

A crack medievalist and storyteller, Howarth brings to life the momentous events of 1066 in rich, anecdotal history -- a classic portrait of the Norman invasion and conquest of England.

The Flaneur: A Stroll through the Paradoxes of Paris

by Edmund White

A 'flaneur' is a stroller, a loiterer, someone who ambles through city streets in search of adventure and fulfillment. Edmund White, who lived in Paris for sixteen years, wanders through the streets and avenues and along the quays, into parts of Paris virtually unknown to visitors and indeed to many Parisians.

From Beachhead to Brittany: The 29th Infantry Division at Brest, August-September 1944

by Joseph Balkoski

Historian Joseph Balkoski follows the U.S. 29th Infantry Division out of Normandy and into Brittany in the northwest corner of France, where the division was tasked with seizing the port of Brest.

The Food & Wine of France: Eating & Drinking from Champagne to Provence

by Edward Behr

Behr seeks out the best of French food, in encounters from Champagne to Provence, to tell the stories of French artisans and chefs who work at the highest level. He shares what he learns from these experts on French traditions and how to best enjoy this food.

A Traveller's History of Paris

by Robert Coles

A fast-moving, short survey of French history with a focus on Paris from its foundation, through the heady days of revolution and up to modern times.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

by Brian Selznick

A story told through stunning hand-drawn images of a young orphan and clock-keeper living in the walls of a Parisian train station.

Murder in the Marais

by Cara Black

Literate and thrilling, with a strong sense of the geography and flavor of Paris, the first in a series of mysteries starring Aimee Ledoc shows off the French-American detective's wit and wile. The series continues with Murder in Belleville (FRN562), Murder in the Sentier (FRN563) and many more.

The French Impressionist

by Rebecca Bischoff

Rosemary, 15 years old, is in France on her own for the first time on an exchange program. What an adventure!

Paris Noir: African Americans in the City of Light

by Tyler Stovall

A history of black Americans who settled in Paris, France, from 1900 to the present.

The Secret Life of the Seine

by Mort Rosenblum

After losing his Paris apartment, Rosenblum, a born storyteller, takes to a houseboat moored on the Seine. The result is this entertaining tour of the places and people he encounters during his explorations along the river.

Lonely Planet French Phrasebook

by Marie-Helene Girard, Anny Monet

This handy phrasebook focuses on pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary for the traveler.

All the Light We Cannot See

by Anthony Doerr

Two stories of adolescents in World War II, of a blind French girl and a bright German boy. Emotionally gripping and engagingly told.

How Paris Became Paris: The Invention of the Modern City

by Joan DeJean

A captivating history of the growth, design, and planning of Paris, telling the story of how the modern city came to be.

The Hotel Majestic

by Georges Simenon

The most famous fictional detective in France, Maigret, tackles a case in the heart of Paris.

The New Paris

by Lindsey Tramuta

Move past the clichés and learn about what makes up Paris today. Explore the open-minded sensibility, diverse populations, and hidden corners of The New Paris.

Markets of Paris

by Dixon Long & Marjorie Williams

An in-depth guide to the best markets in Paris. Dive into the heart of French culture and navigate the markets like a local with maps, tips, and handy phrases.

Morning: Arrivals at Charles de Gaulle airport and transfers to the program hotel in Paris. Please note that rooms are not generally available until early to mid-afternoon, so you should plan to drop off your luggage at the hotel and then take some time to explore Paris or relax and have a leisurely lunch (on your own). There are Paris maps available at the hotel, and your Group Leader and hotel staff will be present to provide recommendations and directions.

Lunch: On your own to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Check-in at hotel and have time to freshen up and relax before meeting for a welcome orientation and program briefing. We will gather in our private meeting room where the Group Leader will greet you with a warm welcome and introduce everyone. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. All routes, field trips, and excursions are subject to change as weather and river conditions may affect the itinerary. River conditions could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice.

Dinner: Welcome dinner in a nearby restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

3

Montmartre / Paris Overview

Paris

B,L,D

MS Botticelli

Activity note: Today's activities include walking up to two miles on cobblestone and pavement. Montmartre is on a hill; there is some walking uphill at a leisurely pace.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Depart on foot to Montmartre to walk the winding streets of this “village”. Montmartre and the Basilica of Sacré Coeur can be seen from many points in Paris. This butte (hillock) is a delightful area of village streets and steep stairways that suddenly rise from the Grands Boulevards. The Romano-Byzantine Basilica of the Sacred Heart dates to the late 1800’s. The interior is decorated in mosaic. The bell, named La Savoyarde is one of the world’s heaviest bells at 19 tons. Nearby the Place du Tertre (Painters Square) is very popular with tourists and street artists vying for the chance to paint their portraits. Poets, singers and artists were drawn to the area by its reputed Bohemian way of life. In the early days, they gathered in the cafés to share their works. This led to the tradition of the café-concert. The most famous of these, the Moulin Rouge, opened in 1889. Until the outbreak of World War II, La Butte remained the city’s artistic and literary center. We will end the morning with a treasure hunt.

Lunch: At a local Montmartre restaurant.

Afternoon: We will go on a field trip by coach for an overview of Paris. This excursion will drive by the Opera, Place Vendôme, Champs Elysées, the Arc de Triomphe, the Invalides, the Louvre Museum, The City Island and the Left Bank. Afterward, we will embark the river cruise ship.

Dinner: Welcome and ship orientation followed by dinner on board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

4

Paris: L'Île de la Cité and Eiffel Tower

Paris

B,L,D

MS Botticelli

Activity note: Today's activities include use of the Paris Metro (subway) which has unavoidable stairs. Walking up to two miles on cobblestone and pavement, as well as walking and standing during visits.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: We will go on a field trip to the heart of the city, where Paris was founded, L'Île de la Cité. Discover the word's most famous cathedral, Notre Dame, as well as the stunning stained glass windows of the Sainte Chapelle.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: Explore the iconic symbol of modern Paris, the famous Eiffel Tower. The tower was built between 1887 and 1889 as the entrance arch for the World's Fair that marked the centennial celebration of the French Revolution. Enjoy a fantastic view of the city.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

Monet's Giverny

Vernon

B,L,D

MS Botticelli

Activity note: Today's activities include walking on pavement and gravel up to one mile.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: Enjoy a lecture about Impressionism and Claude Monet in Giverny. With your Study Leader, learn the basics of the Impressionism movement and its artists, while the ship navigates along the Seine.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: Discover Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny and the stunning foiliage that inspired the great artist.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

6

Historic Rouen

Rouen

B,L,D

MS Botticelli

Activity note: Today's activities include walking and standing up to two miles on cobblestone and pavement.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: Delight in a hands-on activity onboard to learn about French culture.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: Explore historic Rouen, its magnificent gothic cathedral where Monet studied and painted the effects of changing light, and its famous medieval half-timbered houses. Stroll the cobble stone street of the Big Clock to the Old Market Square and the site where Joan of Arc was martyred.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: Enjoy a free evening and perhaps walk over to the Rouen cathedral.

DAY

7

Duclair and the Abbey of Saint Wandrille

Duclair

B,L,D

MS Botticelli

Activity note: Today's activities include walking and standing up to one mile.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: Enjoy a hands-on activity to learn about French culture.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: A short distance from Duclair, is Fontenelle Abbey, also called the Abbey of St. Wandrille. Hosted by one of the abbey’s monks, visit the monastery and learn the story of its founder, Wandregisel, or Saint Wandrille. Although much of the abbey has been rebuilt, the chapel of St. Saturnin remains standing on the hillside overlooking the abbey and is one of the oldest ecclesiastical structures still in existence. After exploring the abbey, you will have the option of attending mass with the Benedictine monks as they sing Gregorian chants.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

8

Honfleur / Marine Museum

Honfleur

B,L,D

MS Botticelli

Activity note: Today's activities includ walking and standing up to two miles on cobblestone and pavement.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: Enjoy unique architecture during a tour of historic Honfleur. Learn why this city has one of the few remaining all-wooden churches and the important role of this city in the settlement of New France.

Lunch: On board.

Afternoon: Learn how Honfleur’s history is tied to the sea at the Marine Museum, where model ships, paintings and objects depict daily life, business and crafts of the 18th and 19th centuries. Next, you may enjoy the atmosphere of the Old Port or visit the Eugène Boudin museum independently.

Dinner: On board.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

9

Disembark/ Bayeux Tapestry/Caen

Caen

B,D

Mercure Caen Centre

Activity note: Today's activities includ walking and standing up to two miles on cobblestone and pavement.

Breakfast: On board.

Morning: Disembark the river cruise ship and depart by motorcoach to Bayeux. Examine the Bayeux Tapestry, a lively description of the Middle Ages that describes the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The tapestry is nearly 230 feet long and depicts the events leading up to the Norman conquest of England concerning William, Duke of Normandy and Harold, Earl of Wessex, later King of England, culminating in the Battle of Hastings. The actual origins of the tapestry remain a mystery, but legend has it that William's wife Mathilda and her ladies-in-waiting embroidered it. Visit the museum using a personal audio guide and watch a film in English about the making of the Tapestry. Next, enjoy some free time in the heart of Bayeux's pedestrian area before continuing on to Omaha Beach.

Lunch: On your own.

Afternoon: Depart by coach to check-in at the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

10

Caen Memorial and D-Day Museum

Caen

B,L

Mercure Caen Centre

Activity note: Walking and standing up to two miles over the course of the day on paved and unpaved ground. Walking and standing in the museum.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Visit the Caen Memorial and Museum, where displays, films and exhibits tell the story of World War II and the D-Day Landing Beaches.

Lunch: At the Caen Memorial.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time to explore Caen at your own pace.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

11

Omaha Beach / American Cemetery / Point du Hoc

Caen

B,L,D

Mercure Caen Centre

Activity note: Today's activities include walking and standing up to two miles over the course of the day on paved and unpaved ground.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will go on a field trip to Omaha Beach and have an on-site lecture. The battle for Omaha Beach is brought to life through stories and experiential learning activities that include a treasure hunt, while traveling the length and breadth of the beach with a D-Day expert.

Lunch: At a restaurant near Omaha Beach.

Afternoon: This afternoon we will honor those who served under the Allied Forces with flowers at the US Normandy American Military Cemetery before continuing on to Pointe du Hoc to learn about the Ranger Assault. Take a walk on the craters, now grassed over, left by the bombings of WWII.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

12

Mont Saint Michel

Caen

B,D

Mercure Caen Centre

Activity note: Today's activities include travel by motorcoach, walking up to two miles on cobblestone and pavement. Mont Saint Michel is built on a hill, therefore there is some uphill walking and steps to arrive at the abbey.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Enjoy a field trip to Mont Saint Michel, a place the locals call "le Mont" and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Perched on a small rocky island that is connected to the mainland at low tide, Mont Saint Michel is a Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel Michael dating from the Middle Ages.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: We will depart by coach to return to Bayeau.

Dinner: Near the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

13

Sainte-Mère-Église / Cotentin Peninsula

Caen

B,L,D

Mercure Caen Centre

Activity note: Today's activities include walking and standing up to two miles on pavement and sand. Plan to wear shoes that can get wet if walking across the sand at low tide.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will take a field trip to Sainte-Mère-Église to learn the story of the paratrooper whose parachute caught on the spire of the town church.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: We will take an excursion to the island of Tatihou, just opposite the port of Saint Vaast La Hougue and accessible on foot at low tide or by amphibious vehicle.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

14

Departures

In Flight

B

Activity note: Transfer Caen to Charles de Gaulle is approximately 2.5 hours.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Meals

32 Meals

12 Breakfasts

9 Lunches

11 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

Les Jardins du Marais is named for the legendary Marais district of Paris, a location with medieval streets, chics boutiques, charming restaurants, museums, and art galleries. The hotel's 263 rooms and suites are situated around the gardens in seven historic buildings. Recently renovated in 2009, they feature a harmonious mix of 1930s elegance and contemporary style along with the most modern technology.

The MS Botticelli is a deluxe two-deck river ship that was built in 2004. It is 110 meters long and can accommodate 154 passengers in its 75 cabins, all of which have windows. The restaurant, lounge-bar and sun deck can be accessed by stairs. For more information on the ship, and to see pictures of the interior and exterior of the ship, visit the ship's website, https://www.croisieuroperivercruises.com/boat/ms-botticelli.

The Mercure Caen Centre Port de Plaisance hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, 109 yards (100 m) from the Tour Leroy and a seven-minute walk from the Abbaye aux Dames. It is also close to the Eglise de la Sainte Trinite, Caen Castle, Universite de Caen, Abbaye-aux-Hommes and Memorial of Caen. Pleasantly situated facing the marina, this fully air-conditioned hotel was renovated in 2009 and offers contemporary and elegant accommodations. Take time to relax in the new bar lounge. The Atrium bar and 6458 sq. ft (600 m²) of modular events rooms are there to make your receptions and seminars a success. There is a private car parking available for a fee and free WI-FI.

The trip to Paris and down The Seine to Normandy with my grandson was a highlight of my life and I hope he will remember his amazing trip with Grandma all his life too.
The variety of experiences in Paris itself; floating down the river past castles, white cliffs and cows grazing lush grassland; historical forays into famous towns along the river and finally arriving at the landing beaches of D-Day were always engaging.
The educational talks for both adults and young people were excellent and prepared us very well for our field trips.
Accolades belong to our leaders Caroline and Netah whose social and organizational skills, the activities they organized for adults and children and the genuine care they showed to us all went far beyond expectations. Thank you for being such wonderful leaders! Absolutely the best!
Joy Killen

We had a wonderful time on the Paris to Normandy trip. Our 11 year old grandson was completely engaged. He was one of the younger kids in the group but the time on the boat helped all of the kids get to know each other and become a cohesive group. Caroline and Nettah were very good leaders and managed to keep both the grandparents and grandkids interested and involved. We liked having the mix of time in Paris, the stops along the Seine and the time in Normandy. I would highly recommend this trip.

This was a superb trip. The itinerary encouraged learning about French culture, history, art, geography, and language with the expert assistance of multi-lingual guides Nettah Yoeli-Rimmer and Caroline Buizza, both very experienced teachers of middle school age children and amazing diplomats. Our 2017 experience on the river cruiser, CroisiEurope MS Botticelli exceeded our dreams. The rooms were beautiful, the chef and food service were exquisite with two sit-down, 3 course meals per day at which wine was served and the recreational facilities of a lounge and deck made for easy social interaction with other grandparents and grandchildren. The schedule wowed us with the wonders of Paris beginning with a visit to Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and other well known landmarks. Cruising down the Seine River, we learned about Normandy. The treasure hunt at Rouen stimulated the grandchildren to observe their surroundings carefully and learn to read maps. The D-Day Museum, Omaha Beach visit and Honfleur emphasis on the sacrifices of Allied soldiers during the World War II Normandy invasion brought history alive. The Mont St Michel and Ile de Tatihou brought this wonderful experience to culmination. My granddaughter and I, and my brother, sister-in-law and their granddaughter will never forget this wonderful Road Scholar Intergenerational experience! Carol Kososki, Columbia, SC